Afrobeats singer Oxlade has advised fellow artists to always insist on proper sound checks before performing, following a disappointing concert experience in London.
The singer shared his frustration on X, recounting what he described as a poorly organised event where he headlined his first show alongside fellow Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda. According to Oxlade, the organisers failed to provide a sound check ahead of the performance, which resulted in substandard audio quality for the audience.
Oxlade explained that while the monitor speakers on stage sounded relatively fine, the speakers projecting sound to the crowd were faulty, significantly affecting the overall experience. He described the show as the worst performance of his career.
While acknowledging that event organisers have a responsibility to provide adequate equipment and preparation, Oxlade stressed that artists must also take ownership of their performances. He warned musicians against stepping on stage without first assessing the sound setup.
The singer concluded by urging artists to learn from his experience, noting that a proper sound check is essential to understanding the performance conditions and delivering a quality show.